Rajasthan High Court issues contempt notice to Bainsla

Jaipur, May 27 (IANS) The Rajasthan High Court Tuesday issued a contempt notice to Gujjar leader K.S. Bainsla for allegedly violating its order restraining him from resorting to violence and directed him to appear before the court on May 30. Justice Prem Shankar Asopa’s directive came after a contempt petition against 13 Gujjars, including Bainsla, came up for hearing in the court Tuesday. If Bainsla does not appear on May 30, the court will issue a bailable warrant for his arrest.

The high court has asked the collector of Bharatpur to serve a contempt notice to Colonel Bainsla, who heads the Gujjar Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (Gujjar pro-reservation front) fighting for Scheduled Tribe status to the community.

At least 37 people have died in the agitation that began last week Friday with the community blocking roads and rail tracks in several places.

The court also sought an explanation from Rajasthan’s chief secretary, home secretary and director general of police on the actions taken so far to prevent the breakdown of law and order.

As the Gujjar movement showed little signs of ebbing, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was Monday summoned by Governor S.K. Singh. In a meeting that lasted over 45 minutes, the chief minister apprised him of the steps being taken to maintain peace. The governor asked the chief minister to resolve the issue by holding talks with Gujjar leaders.

“The governor said the crisis had started affecting the common person and should be resolved as quickly as possible,” sources in the governor’s residence said.